Ali Sweeney was first introduced to me as a mother at Steele Elementary, but it was when I learned she also happened to be a self-proclaimed clairvoyant, that my ears perked up. I have never had an experience with any type of reading, but have always been open to the idea. And to be honest, with the direction 2020 has taken, I, without any hesitation, called Ali up to book an hour reading. I entered the session with an open mind and zero expectations. All I can tell you, is that, after the reading, I felt much lighter. A sensation, I’m guessing,  many of us could benefit from.

How and when did you first realize that you had these clairvoyant abilities?

My childhood was completely ordinary; there is no story that when I was three my parents found me levitating above the bed or talking to ghosts.  I went to school, I had friends (real ones), I loved science and math.  Eventually, I got an engineering degree.  Logic, science, and building tangible things, were all the very core of my being.  Like many young people, I questioned the very existence of a God.  And then my brother died from cancer.  I believe his soul continues to live even though he isn’t in a body.  So, I started reading and seeking anything spirituality-based.  I started meditating.  I became a mother, and then I knew at the core of my being that there was more to the world than science, math, tidy answers, and concrete things.  Synchronistically, just when my stay-at-home mom self needed an escape from full time neediness, a psychic school fell into my path.  Yes, there are psychic schools where anyone can learn to open the door to their clairvoyant abilities.  So, I first realized I had these abilities when I was 37, sitting in a classroom with about 10 other people.  

What are some of the biggest myths you’d like to bust for any naysayers?

Psychics have quite a stereotype going!  If you are hoping to come see me in my lair with my crystal ball – you will be disappointed to know that I do not wear scarves or bangles and I prefer to provide readings over the phone.  During a reading, I see things. Sure, sometimes they are dead people.  Most of the time, I see images. I see energy.  And these images come with a knowingness about what the image means.  During a reading, I won’t tell you what to do, what you should do, or what’s going to happen in the future. Instead, I see you. Right where you are. Then I communicate to you what you already know, but somehow can’t put your finger on. Recently a client said to me, “No, I didn’t know that about me, but, yes, now that you say it, yes, that is exactly what is going on.”  I live in the wonder and awe of this ability to return people to themselves.  There are definitely some naysayers that don’t believe I can do this with a phone, but I am not looking at the physical you, I’m looking at the energetic you.

If you can get over the idea that psychics are woo-woo, another myth is that there is something wrong with you.  I’ve discovered through my years of this work, that EVERYONE has some pain, something that hasn’t gone the ‘right’ way for them, some part of them that is darker than the rest.  We tend to look at other people and think that their life must be better than ours, chances are there are parts that are easier for them and parts that are harder.  Most people are just really good at hiding the harder parts.

What advice would you give someone who wants to be open to exploring this experience, but might be hesitant?

I know you’re nervous, maybe a little scared.  Meditation and spirituality get a tough rap for being serious and boring.  I’m known for my ability to make this experience fun, even hilarious, definitely fascinating.  I offer a free 15 minute reading to anyone considering giving it a try, just to make sure money isn’t the reason for your hesitation.  I ask you to consider what you have to lose?  Cynicism, sarcasm, or judgment?  What do you have to gain?  Insight, clarity, and light?  And just to put you at ease a little more, if you have a deep, dark, secret – I won’t be able to see it.  Your secret is yours to reveal, not mine to find.  

What can people do to keep their peace and energy in check?

I like these two simple techniques – Ground and Bubble.  To ground, imagine a colored beam of light going from the base of your spine to the center of the earth.  Then imagine any energy that isn’t serving you (stress, worry, fear) traveling down that tunnel to the center of the earth.  Feel the invitation to let it go.  Often energy just recirculates in our bodies and system, so this is an easy way to initiate the release and make more space for vibrations you want to experience (joy, love, peace, etc.).  To bubble, imagine that you are inside a large bubble, about an arm’s distance in every direction.  Everything inside this bubble belongs to you, and everything outside is something else.  The bubble is a gentle reminder that all you can control – your actions and reactions – is inside the bubble.  Everything else is out of your control.

How do you keep a clear mind when chaos is happening all around the world?

I meditate daily. I make myself slow down, sit down, and notice what is going on in my body, my mind, and my spirit.  Let’s say I notice that it is hard to sit still, my mind is all over the place, I’m a little jumpy.  I remind myself that in this moment, I am just fine.  Because I really am.  And likely, if you have the time to pick up and read this magazine, you are really o.k., too.  So, especially when things are chaotic in the world around me, I find even more time to meditate to remind myself that I am not chaotic.  It helps that I get to do work that I cherish and love, and take a break from all that chaos and just be with people.  Then, I binge out on Netflix. 

Great advice indeed, Ali. Thank you so much for indulging me with my questions and inquiries. I am beyond grateful for your gifts in energy cleansing, which is the best way to describe my experience. If you, too, are interested in clearing some headspace, please reach out to Ali via her website alightinsight.com.